The BMW 3 Series is produced as compact executive car. In 1975 the first 3 series (code name E21) was introduced as successor to the 02 Series. This first generation of 3 Series was only available as a 2 door sedan. The second 3 series generation (code name E30 from 1982) expanded to include a 4 door sedan 2 door sedan convertible and 5 door touring station wagon. In 1992 the 3rd generation 3 Series (code name E36) was introduced in 1992. The 2-door sedan was replaced then by a 2 door coupe. The 4 door sedan, 2 door convertible and 5 door station wagon completed the line. In 1999 BMW introduced the E46 4th generation 3 series and in 2005 the 5th generation. In this 5th generation the sedan was labeled as code name E90, the touring as E91, the coupe as E92 and the convertible as E93.

Current and 6th generation 3 series is known as code name F30 for the sedan, F31 for the touring and F34 for a new gran tourismo 5 door hatchback. The 2 door coupe and 4 door grand coupe were upgraded and became 4 series for the first time.
The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW series annual total sales. .
The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted with the E30 M3 in 1987 and there has been a M3 of every generation ever since.